Quinn, Hekker Look to Continue Rams' History of Success in Pro Bowl

When Robert Quinn and Johnny Hekker take the field in Honolulu on Sunday in the in the 64th NFL Pro Bowl, they will mark the first time multiple Rams have appeared in the game in eight years. The Rams’ duo made their selection an easy choice by not only performing among the best at their position this year, but also through previous seasons.

Quinn led the NFC with a Rams-record 19 sacks, a number that was tops in the NFC and bested only by Robert Mathis’ 19.5 in the NFL. Hekker not only posted what was statistically the best year ever by a Rams punter, he also established a new NFL record with a net punting yardage of 44.2. However, if history is any indicator of future results, Hekker and Quinn may not be done yet.

While the selection to the NFL’s all-star game comes as an honor to the Rams’ representatives, they will also look to continue what has become a tradition of productivity in the annual postseason meeting. Since Isaac Bruce was the first St. Louis Ram to be named to the Pro Bowl in 1996, many of the Rams’ selections for the game have been among the most impactful.

Whether it was Marc Bulger’s four touchdown passes 2004 that netted him the game’s Most Valuable Player award, or Torry Holt’s 274 receiving yards and two touchdowns in seven appearances, Rams Pro Bowlers have made a habit of making their presence felt in Hawaii.

Despite playing in a game that has favored the offenses in recent years, Quinn, who was selected as one of four team captains this year, will look to cap a record-breaking season that included 19 sacks. One could surmise that the quarterbacks named to this year’s game will take a keen interest in the whereabouts of no. 94. Of the seven quarterbacks on Pro Bowl rosters, Quinn faced four during the regular season, and tallied nine sacks between them.

In just his second NFL season, Hekker has joined Bulger as the quickest Rams to be named to the Pro Bowl. QB Marc Bulger’s 2003 appearance was also in his second full NFL season. Hekker also has become the first Rams punter to be named since Dale Hatcher in 1985.

This year marks the first time the Rams have had multiple Pro Bowlers since 2006, when Holt and Bulger joined Steven Jackson in Honolulu. The multiple selections could be a positive omen for the Rams. In five of the eight previous seasons in which the Rams had multiple Pro Bowlers, the team made the playoffs the following season.

Did You Know?

-In 19 seasons in St. Louis, the Rams have had multiple Pro Bowlers nine times.

-DE Robert Quinn is one of three defensive ends to represent the St. Louis Rams, joining Kevin Carter (1999) and Leonard Little (2003).

-Of the 36 St. Louis Rams Pro Bowl selections, Quinn is just the fifth defensive player, joining Carter, Little, Todd Lyght and Aeneas Williams. Hekker is the second special teamer, joining kicker Jeff Wilkins, who was selected in 2003.